TromboneChat

Any recommendations for tools/apps/methods for scheduling a larger (12+) ensemble and determining everyone's availability?

So far I'm using email and a spreadsheet, but about 1/3 of the group is unresponsive, which for most of them means they're good with whatever has been proposed, while for others it means they just won't show and I won't know until the day of.

I'd like to have something where everyone sees everyone's status for each date, and can manipulate their own (but only their own).

Any suggestions?

I like the app "Konzertmeister". Not sure if it's available in English. We use it for entire concert bands of up to 70 members.

This one is pretty good: https://whenisgood.net/

SwissTbone wrote: Sun Nov 23, 2025 2:16 am I like the app "Konzertmeister". Not sure if it's available in English. We use it for entire concert bands of up to 70 members.

I use that in a couple for everything from 7-piece to symphony orchestra, works well. I’m also it sure if it’s available in English.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... droid.band

Band is a pretty good app. It includes scheduling, communication, file sharing, sub groups, etc. It is not a "lightweight" app, though -- it takes up space and if you use it to its full extent can use up a lot storage on your phone for pdfs, pictures, memes...

We use Planning Center for our big band and its offshoots. Even though it’s set up for worship services, it’s been great for our purposes. It will send out emails with yes/no buttons, can keep track of which parts are missing for rehearsals and gigs (and can let you email subs for particular chairs), and will even store sets and pdfs tied to particular events. https://www.planningcenter.com/

Pricing for Planning Center is, erm, unearthly...

GabrielRice wrote: Sun Nov 23, 2025 7:21 am This one is pretty good: https://whenisgood.net/

Thanks for the suggestion, looks like a good fit: free mode does most everything, premium is very affordable ($20/year). No need for band members to make an account or buy an app, just use the link. Nothing fancy.

Unfortunately it looks like they're unable to set up new accounts currently - I wonder if that's actually temporary or not. The basic no-login version still works though.

TomInME wrote: Mon Nov 24, 2025 10:22 pm Pricing for Planning Center is, erm, unearthly...

Haha…probably true. Our manager decided after using the free trial that it was saving him so much time and effort that it was worth it, so he’s paying for it himself. I do notice now that it has a sliding scale based on number of users though, so once you start getting up to larger sized groups, I can see it being even more prohibitively expensive.